Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw has gone up against some pretty steep obstacles in his life, and he stews with righteous anger. While justified, this inner turmoil leads to a series of “altercations” at his school. When he stumbles across a track practice after school and feels the need to prove himself, Ghost ends up on a real team, gaining friends and a wonderful mentor.

Reynolds’ writing evokes so much feeling and is so grounded in reality. This novel is highly readable, moving, and fun. Rarely do I come across a book for young readers with so much heart. Read it.